SUBMISSION TO THE MODENA REVIEW

The Modena Review specialises in the writing and distribution of urbane and elegant book and music reviews, critical writing, and, occasionally, original poetry and short stories. It exists as a free publication in a world of tedious and impractical paywalls. It is always delighted to welcome new writers.

1.  THE REVIEW

Reviews are the main occupation of The Modena Review. Contact MR either with (1) a finished review of a recent book (usually less than a year old) or (2) an idea for a review.

While The Review would like to reimburse writers and offer them free copies of books to review, these are long-term ambitions which it cannot yet fulfil.

For now, The Review asks writers to absorb the costs of books and to write from a spirit of charity. We in turn would like to treat our writers well: relaxed and reasonable deadlines, references and recommendations when or if needed, and whatever else we can help with.

There is no long-term commitment in writing for The Modena Review. Writers are free to do one piece and stop, to do occasional writing, or write regularly – as they prefer.

We review poetry, literary fiction, creative non-fiction, history, philosophy, books treating religious topics, and others which may be of interest to our writers and readers. Pitch something.

Our Music section reviews both concerts and new albums. We typically cover classical, jazz, and folk, but we acknowledge that good music can occur in all genres.

We would also like to review recent film releases.

We don't review books which are too specialised. Academic books are already well-served with reviews by academic journals. We would only review an academic book which might enjoy a wider readership. This is considered on a case-by-case basis. Send us an idea.

TMR doesn't cover daily politics. Political philosophy is fine, however.

The Modena Review is, finally, a Christian publication. This is not a limitation but an opportunity to write and learn in a spirit of free discovery. We don't expect all writers to share the Christian faith and worldview of the publication, but writing ought not greatly to clash with the ethos of the publication.

2. COMBRAY

Combray is the part of The Modena Review devoted to older publications and more general topics. Our appropriation of the childhood village of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past will suggest to writers, we hope, something of the tone of the pieces to be written for the section.

A Combray piece might consider a less well-known writer or piece, or a less-considered aspect of someone or something well-known. It might be an appreciation of an oeuvre, or of the genius of a single, great piece. It might even consider the problems and shortcomings of a subject, or its charms and idiosyncrasies. The writing ought to be evocative and elegant.

3. POETRY AND SHORT STORIES

Whilst the Review exists principally for critical writing, we are delighted to be able to publish occasional (very) short stories, flash fiction, and poems in our section named Laurel.

Because we publish relatively few, we ask that writers send a small amount of high-quality work.

We ask that submitted work is always previously unpublished. Exceptions can be made in the right circumstances.